Holiday weekend nets 1,170 DUI suspects statewide

On the final day of the holiday weekend maximum enforcement period, the California Highway Patrol on Wednesday reported an increase in the number of drivers arrested on suspicion of being under the influence while behind the wheel and a spike in fatalities.

Across the state, officials said 1,170 suspected drunken drivers were arrested during the MEP, which began Friday and ended at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, while 39 were killed in collisions.

Last year during the same period, the CHP reported 980 arrests and eight fatalities.

The CHP noted that this year's Christmas holiday MEP period included one additional 24-hour reporting period compared to the previous year.

Across the state, 39 were killed in crashes with 23 of those occurring on CHP-patrolled roadways, while in 2011, a total of 14 fatal collisions were reported, according to the CHP. Of those killed, 12 were not wearing seat belts, one motorcyclist riding without a helmet and one pedestrian, authorities said.

In the Bay Area, three were killed in three crashes, while 165 were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. While the Bay Area saw more arrests during the same period last year, with 188, no fatal collisions were reported.

Heading into New Year's Eve, the CHP is reminding motorists of the importance of using a designated driver and to remember to buckle up, adding that seat belts save lives.